Greenway, a pig farmer from Mitchell, South Dakota, was named America’s Pig Farmer of the Year by the National Pork Board (NPB). It is the first time he has picked up the annual gong, which seeks to find a pig farmer who raises the game for ethical pork production.
The panel of judges were reportedly impressed with Greenway’s transparency in sharing how he produces pork. A focus on sustainability, which sees him use crops from his farm to manufacture feed for his pigs, was another big tick in his favour.
“We are pleased to have Brad represent America’s pig farmers; he embodies the very best in pig farming,” said Jan Archer, NPB president and also a pig farmer from North Carolina.
“It’s important that we share with today’s consumers how we raise their food in an ethical and transparent way. Brad’s interest in sharing his farm’s story – and putting a face on today’s pig farming – will help us reach this goal.”
‘Proud’ of recognition
Greenway has been running his farm for more than 40 years. Together with his wife, Peggy, he runs two wean-to-finish pig barns, and raises cattle for beef and also grows corn, soybeans, wheat and alfalfa. He was named America’s Pig Farmer of the Year following a third-party audit on his farm, as well as answering questions from subject-matter experts on animal care, environmental stewardship and employee training.
Greenway said he was “proud” of the award, adding that he looked forward “to sharing my personal farm story with consumers to help them understand the care that goes into raising pigs today”.
The judges for the award were Robin Ganzert, president and CEO of American Humane; Kari Underly, a butcher and principal of meat marketing firm Ranger; Justin Ransom, senior director of supply chain management at McDonald’s; Jodi Sterle, professor of animal science at Iowa State University; and Keith Schoettmer, the 2015 Pig Farmer of the Year.